Spring with multiple conducting coils

Abstract

An electrically conductive spring having first and second coils defining first and second electrical pathways for completing an electric circuit between two components which may move relative to each other. In one embodiment, the spring is a double start helical spring with first and second coils extending between respective, electrically insulated ends with the coils extending in alternating, spaced relation to each other.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of manufacturing an electrically conductive extension/compression spring comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a cylinder of electrically conductive material having first and second, opposite end walls; 
 b) forming first and second notches in said first end wall thereby defining first and second end wall segments; 
 c) forming third and fourth notches in said second end wall thereby defining third and fourth end wall segments; 
 d) providing electrical insulating components within said first and second notches and thereby electrically insulating said first and second end wall segments from each other, and providing electrical insulating components within said third and fourth notches and thereby electrically insulating said third and fourth end wall segments from each other; and 
 e) machining first and second alternating, spaced coils into said cylinder with a first coil having coil turns extending between and defining a first electrical path between said first and third wall segments, and a second coil having coil turns extending between and defining a second electrical path between said second and fourth wall segments, said first electrical path electrically insulated from said second electrical path.